Story by Peter Chivhima
HARARE-A 50-year-old Early Childhood Development (ECD) teacher has appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing charges of culpable homicide following the tragic drowning of a three-year-old pupil.
Martha Karota Rice, a resident of Rugare and employed at Saint Anne’s Primary School in Mabelreign, Harare, was arrested on June 4, in connection with the incident which occurred a day earlier.
According to the State’s case, on June 3, Rice allegedly left seven young pupils unattended and failed to secure the gate leading to the school’s swimming pool when she briefly entered the school building.
During her absence, the deceased, Elroy Tinayeishe Mutandiro, reportedly gained access to the pool area and drowned.
The court heard that Rice was the only adult responsible for supervising the children at the time, and her alleged negligence led directly to the fatal incident.
She has since been remanded in custody pending further proceedings.
Meanwhile, in a separate matter, the case involving Mike Mupinga who is facing allegations of defaulting court proceedings related to rape charges has been postponed to a later date.
